Warner expands hotel portfolio with Heythrop Park acquisition

The property sits on 440 acres of parkland in rural Oxfordshire, near the Cotswolds, and boasts more than 300 hotel suites as well as an 18-hole championship golf course.

Warner’s acquisition of Heythrop Park comes after the operator pledged £50 million to transform Studley Castle in Warwickshire, which is due to open in March 2019.

Heythrop Park’s current franchise agreement with Crowne Plaza will lapse in December whereby the hotel will operate independently throughout 2019.

Warner will start refurbishing it next year with a view to it opening as a Warner property in 2020.
“The acquisition of Heythrop Park demonstrates our commitment to grow Warner and allow more guests than ever before to enjoy a Warner holiday,” said Simon Thompson, managing director Warner Leisure Hotels.

“Hot on the heels of Studley Castle, this announcement confirms further significant investment for Warner and we are now focused on developing our plans for the grand opening in 2020.”

Heythrop Park was built in the 1700s by Charles Talbot, the 12th Earl and 1st Duke of Shrewsbury and offers access to the Cotswolds, Bicester Village and Blenheim Palace, among other attractions.